Redwood Parks to Host Three Artists in Fall 2026

The national and state parks will welcome three selected artists for a creative residency program in Fall 2026.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a redwood grove in warm mustard and teal, depicting an iconic California landscape.
Redwood National and State Parks announced three selected artists for a fall 2026 residency program aimed at fostering stewardship of protected California lands. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Redwood National and State Parks has announced the selection of three artists for the upcoming Fall 2026 artist-in-residence program. These participants will immerse themselves in the park’s iconic landscapes to produce creative work.

Why it matters

The artist-in-residence initiative is designed to foster greater public appreciation and long-term stewardship for the protected lands. By bringing diverse artistic perspectives to the park, the program aims to connect visitors with the environment through new creative lenses.

The residency program for Fall 2026 features artists from Kansas City, Missouri, and the California cities of Santa Ana and Oakland. Each artist is tasked with conducting public presentations while drawing inspiration from the park's natural environment.

The players

Diana Heise

Diana Heise is an artist based in Kansas City, Missouri, who will create work inspired by the park's landscapes.

Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee is an artist hailing from Santa Ana, California, selected for the upcoming park residency.

Nick Vasquez

Nick Vasquez is an artist from Oakland, California, who will participate in the park's creative program.

Redwood Parks Conservancy

The Redwood Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the National Park Service and California State Parks to manage park resources and programs.

The details

The program is a collaborative effort managed by the National Park Service, California State Parks, and the Redwood Parks Conservancy. Throughout their residencies, the chosen artists will engage directly with the terrain to create their original works.

Timeline

  1. The artist-in-residence program is scheduled to take place during Fall 2026.

Travel Outlook

The program aligns with the National Park Service's artist-in-residence programs that operate across the country to interpret protected lands. This initiative demonstrates the consistent role that seasonal art residencies play in promoting cultural engagement within national and state park systems.

Visitors to the parks during Fall 2026 should look for schedules regarding the upcoming public presentations conducted by the resident artists. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage with the park through the eyes of the creators during their time on-site.

The takeaway

Artistic residencies offer a powerful way for the public to deepen their connection to protected natural spaces. Implementing these programs helps ensure that land stewardship remains a central part of the visitor experience.

Further reading

Discover more about the National Parks programs and their regional impact across the state.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Del Norte Triplicate.